Here's the story of how bamboo shaped Chinese poetry, Japanese folklore, Indian tradition and human health.

A little correction: In the episode, I mentioned that bamboo was the only plant to survive the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. This is partly true. Records indicate that, in addition to bamboo, ginkgo, weeping willows, camphor trees, oleanders, and crape myrtle also survived. However, bamboo does possess incredible resilience. Its robust underground rhizome system protected its roots, and its rapid growth rate allowed it to regenerate and push through the ash remarkably fast.

*I am re-releasing one of your favourite episodes with better edits and clearer audio.

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Tomatoes are in our salads, our sauces, our sandwiches, and our soups. It's hard to imagine pizza without it, or a summer garden without a few tomato plants growing in the corner.

But this wasn't always the case. For hundreds of years, the tomato was feared, avoided, and even blamed for killing people. It was called the "poison apple." It was linked to witchcraft. And in some places, it took over two hundred years before people were willing to put it on their plates.

This is the story of how a small, sour, yellow fruit from the mountains of South America became one of the most beloved ingredients in the world.

Episode artwork: 1909 Bolgiano's Tomato- sourced from Wikimedia commons

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In 1692, twenty people were put to death in a small Puritan village for something that never really happened: witchcraft. For over three hundred years, people have blamed this on fear, superstition, and social pressure. But what if the real cause weren't witches or demons? What if it was something in their bread? This is the story of Salem witch trials, and of ergot fungus that may have started it all.

Episode artwork: Witch Hill (The Salem Martyr)- sourced from wikimedia

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Why is the mango hailed across the globe as the "King of Fruits"? Simple Answer: Its history is a vibrant tale of trade, cultural migration, and royal obsession. In this episode, we trace the journey of the mango from its wild origins in South Asia to its status as a global culinary icon. Learn about the legends, folklore, and horticultural history that cemented its status on the throne of fruits.

*I'm re-releasing this episode because it remains one of my personal favourites. It has a fascinating history that I didn't know about, and I enjoyed learning amazing facts during content curation. Also, since it's mango season, a re-release felt fitting.

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Most people know rosemary as a kitchen herb. Something you strip from a sprig and toss over roasted potatoes. But for most of human history, it meant something else entirely. In this episode delve into the ancient folklore surrounding this aromatic herb, explaining why it was carried at weddings and funerals alike. Listen to the botanical history behind why civilisations from the Mediterranean to the modern day have associated rosemary with the human mind and memory.

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*Royalty-free BGM "Clear Waters" Easy Lemon" ''Parting of Ways'' from incompetech.com

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For centuries, humans have scoured the botanical world in search of plants that spark desire. But this pursuit often came with a heavy price. In this episode, we explore the dangerous history of ancient aphrodisiacs, examining the plants that were prized for their potency and feared for their toxicity.

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*Royalty-free BGM "Clear Waters" Easy Lemon" ''Parting of Ways'' from incompetech.com

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If you’ve ever walked through a desert oasis or browsed a market in the Middle East, you’ve seen them: towering palms that seem to defy the harshness of the sun. But the story of how this tree became the "Tree of Life" for millions is a fascinating detective story involving ancient DNA, archaeological mystery, and sacred tradition.

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*Royalty-free BGM "Clear Waters" Easy Lemon" ''Parting of Ways'' from incompetech.com

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***Podcast logo is designed by me

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What is the real cost of your Valentine's flowers?

This episode uncovers the environmental damage and worker exploitation linked to cut-flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia. We shine a light on the use of harmful pesticides, low wages, and sexual harassment in a crisis that stays out of sight. Learn why these symbols of love often come at the cost of human dignity and environmental health.

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Support the show

Join The Newsletter 📩 Get a wild historical fact, a fascinating science tidbit, a botanical quiz & much more to your inbox. Subscribe for free: https://rootsrevealed.org/#newsletter

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*Royalty-free BGM "Clear Waters" Easy Lemon" ''Parting of Ways'' from incompetech.com

**Royalty-free BGM from pixabay.com

***Podcast logo is designed by me

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Got feedback or suggestions?💬 I’d love to hear from you! Drop a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org

Episode Details & Website

• Find full show notes for every episode: https://rootsrevealed.org/episodes
• Visit the official website: https://rootsrevealed.org
• Read strange and fascinating plant stories: https://rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium